CCC MPs reject Chief Whip’s claim they backed Zanu‑PF constitutional amendments

CCC Chief Whip Charles Moyo

Several Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislators have publicly denied assertions by their Chief Whip, Charles Moyo, that they endorsed Zanu‑PF’s proposed constitutional amendments to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030.

Moyo issued a statement suggesting that many CCC MPs supported Constitutional Amendment No. 3. Still, a group of opposition lawmakers, Maggie Chakabuda, Tendekai Matara, Happymore Bvondo, Richard Tsvangirai, and Chalton Hwende, have refuted the claim, accusing Moyo of publishing false resolutions.

Background to the dispute

On 12 February, Sengezo Tshabangu, a prominent advocate for the 2030 agenda, released a statement through Chief Whip Moyo indicating that his faction of the CCC backed the amendment. The release followed a meeting at Parliament attended by several opposition MPs.

The statement provoked immediate backlash. Some MPs who attended the meeting later apologised, saying they had believed the gathering was a routine parliamentary caucus meeting focused on parliamentary business rather than an endorsement of the 2030 agenda. Many described their attendance as a mistake.

Individual responses from MPs

• Maggie Chakabuda, Masvingo Senator, said she attended without realising the meeting was aligned to Tshabangu’s faction. She apologised via WhatsApp, said she made no contributions to the statement, and reaffirmed her loyalty to party leader Nelson Chamisa.

• Tendekai Matara, Masvingo proportional representative MP, said she attended as part of normal caucus duties and did not endorse any constitutional amendment. She described claims that MPs supported the 2030 agenda as “drama” manufactured by the author of the resolutions.

• Happymore Bvondo Chidziva told a colleague in Australia that Moyo’s resolutions were false and that MPs had agreed not to debate an amendment that had not been gazetted.

• Chalton Hwende posted on X that although he attended the meeting, no resolutions were passed in support of Constitutional Amendment No. 3.

• Richard Tsvangirai issued statements on WhatsApp and other platforms confirming his attendance but rejecting any suggestion that he supported the 2030 agenda.

Wider opposition response

The five MPs join 31 other CCC legislators who refused to attend Tshabangu’s meetings on the matter, bringing the total number of opposition MPs publicly opposing the 2030 agenda and Constitutional Amendment No. 3 to 35. Party sources say the wider group remains committed to the party’s official position and to Nelson Chamisa’s leadership.

Political implications

The episode highlights internal tensions within the CCC and the sensitivity surrounding proposals to alter the constitutional timetable. Opposition leaders have emphasised party unity and repudiated any unauthorised endorsements of amendments that would extend the presidential and parliamentary terms.

CCC MPs; Chief Whip; backed Zanu‑PF constitutional amendments 2030